erlotinib, Tarceva

Omudhome Ogbru, PharmD

Dr. Ogbru received his Doctorate in Pharmacy from the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy in 1995. He completed a Pharmacy Practice Residency at the University of Arizona/University Medical Center in 1996. He was a Professor of Pharmacy Practice and a Regional Clerkship Coordinator for the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy from 1996-99.

Jay W. Marks, MD

Jay W. Marks, MD, is a board-certified internist and gastroenterologist. He graduated from Yale University School of Medicine and trained in internal medicine and gastroenterology at UCLA/Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.

GENERIC NAME: erlotinib

BRAND NAME: Tarceva

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Erlotinib is a synthetic (man-made)
oral drug that is used for treating cancer. It is approved for treatment of
non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

There are more than 1.2 million cases worldwide of lung cancer each year,
causing one death every 3 seconds. According to the National Cancer Institute,
lung cancer is responsible for nearly 30% of cancer deaths in the US. NSCLC is
the most common form of lung cancer and accounts for almost 80% of all the
cases.

Many cells, including cancer cells, have receptors on their surfaces for
epidermal growth factor (EGF), a protein that is normally produced by the body
and that promotes the growth and multiplication of cells. When EGF attaches to
epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFRs), it causes an enzyme called tyrosine
kinase to become active within the cells. Tyrosine kinase triggers chemical
processes that cause the cells, including cancer cells, to grow, multiply, and
spread. Erlotinib attaches to EGFRs, blocking the attachment of EGF and the
activation of tyrosine kinase. This mechanism for stopping cancer cells from
growing and multiplying is very different from the mechanisms of chemotherapy
and hormonal therapy. Erlotinib was approved by the FDA in November of 2004.